30, 35, 40

Last Friday, we celebrated James’ 35th birthday.

Even better, we collaborated with friends whose birthdays were around the same time (and happened to be turning 30 and 40).  This made the party three times as fun.

Erin, turning 30, was in charge of drinks.
James, the aforementioned 35 year old, in charge of food.
Tres, turning 40, in charge of music.

This was a great way to put a party together because no one stressed. Each host had one third of the responsibility.  Better yet, the responsibility fell squarely in their area of expertise.

Erin is a wine expert!
James and I eat lots of food!
Tres is a musician!

Drinks

As she manages a wine shop and is a brilliant wine recommender, Erin was in charge of imbibables. She got a small keg of Trumer Pils and had several friends donate wine for the event. She chose a specialty cocktail for each party host and purchased one bottle of booze for each one.

Did you know that getting a keg of good, locally produced beer doesn’t cost that much more and helps your guests drink a little slower?
True fact.

Food

Our friend Bryce helped us by catering all the food at cost.

Meatballs, a cranberry cream cheese dip, potato garlic soup shots and apple duck toasts kept costs low and flavors high.

This is Bryce’s non-professional specialty.  He’s very good at this.  The food was delicious at room temperature and most important, easy to eat in front of others.
(No spinach in teeth!  No awkward sandwich-mouth!)

I made the invitations and poster for the event. It helped people remember the theme (30-35-40) and served as the band list.

Music

Tres, a musician (and winemaker!) got Langhorne Slim to headline.
(As well, he set up several other bands and a dj.)

Man, that was fun.

And to have the musicians celebrating with the guests before their sets made it extra-anticipatory.

Electricanticipatory.

You know how on cooking and entertaining shows they’re always saying, “The most important part of a party is that the hosts are having a good time?”
(You don’t watch as many cooking and entertaining shows as I do?)

Well, this party proved it.
Over 100 people came, ate, drank and listened.
Twas a hoot had by all.

Have you ever collaborated on a party?

Tags: erin sullivan, james birthday, party planning, st. helena oddfellows, tres goetting

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